Fairy lanterns defy the conventional wisdom about plants by merrily existing without green leaves and the need for photosynthesis. There are approximately 90 types of fairy lanterns documented, and among them, Thismia kobensis was believed to have disappeared forever. However, after a thirty-year hiatus, this “otherworldly” plant has been rediscovered.
Similar to other Thismia species, Thismia kobensis remains hidden underground with only its fragile blossom rising above the surface. Discovered in Kobe City, Japan in 1992, it appeared to have been eradicated by the construction of an industrial complex. However, it has not gone extinct as previously believed. Researchers have successfully located the plant thriving in Sanda City, approximately 19 miles (30 kilometers) from its original location.
Thismia kobensis is adorned with hues of orange and yellow on its top, according to Kenji Suetsugu. A study on the fairy lantern species was published by a group of researchers from Kobe University on Monday in the Phytotaxa journal. The plant had previously been only partially described in a museum specimen, making this the first comprehensive description available.
The rediscovery of the Japanese plant has shed light on a mysterious relative called Thismia americana. Discovered over a century ago near Chicago, Thismia americana was the sole known fairy lantern in North America. Its presumed extinction has left botanists pondering on how it first arrived in Illinois. According to the recent study, Thismia kobensis is, in fact, the closest relative to Thismia americana.
On Monday, Kobe University stated that it is not unusual for there to be a correlation between plant species found in Eastern Asia and North America, as they share close relationships and have disjointed distributions across the regions, which can frequently be traced to migration via the Beringia land bridge.
Thousands of years ago, the Beringia or Bering land bridge provided a passageway for the migration of flora, fauna, and potentially human beings between Asia and North America.
According to the researchers, more specimens of Thismia kobensis might be discovered through additional surveys. The discovery site of the rare plant, located near a forest trail, raises concerns that it could be disturbed by pedestrians. The study recommends potential conservation efforts, such as safeguarding the forest or establishing botanic gardens to cultivate the plant.
Regarding the American rendition of the fairy lantern, the story may not have concluded yet. The Field Museum located in Chicago has developed a handbook (PDF) to aid plant researchers in identifying the elusive Thismia americana. Botanists are optimistic that it could still exist somewhere. The rediscovery of the Japanese variety gives reason for optimism.
